Voters in the city of Grand Rapids and East Grand Rapids overpowered suburban voters to pass The Rapid transit millage property tax increase by what appears to be 136 votes.

The millage asked voters in Grand Rapids, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Walker, Wyoming and Kentwood to increase The Rapid bus system’s current five-year 1.12 mill tax levy by 0.35 mills to a total of 1.47 mills for seven years. That increase would cost the owner of a $150,000 home an extra $26.25 a year.

The millage passed in Grand Rapids and East Grand Rapids. The majority of voters in the surrounding cities who cast ballots were against it.

The transit millage will pay for extending service later into the evening on most routes, expanding some routes, decreasing wait times between buses, and operating the Silver Line high-speed bus line on Division Avenue.

The improvements will be made gradually over the next five years with the full millage levy eventually raising $15.6 million a year. One-third of the millage increase will go toward operating the Silver Line route.

Supporters waiting for results at Brann's Sports & Grille restaurant on Leonard Street broke out in wild celebration at the news.

Return to MLive for more on this developing story.

HERE'S WHAT THE MILLAGE BUYS:

Total annual cost of proposed improvements: $3.7 million

The money would be used to pay for these improvements over five years: